High-Impact Learning Experiences
Internships in Horticultural Sciences
Internships provide students with the chance to gain field-related work experience while at the same time exploring potential career paths and/or prospective employers. In addition, internships allow students to put what they learn in class into practice. For many, it makes the science and theory come to life.
Horticulture Internship opportunities abound! Horticulture students have interned nationally and internationally. Vineyards and wineries, tissue culture labs, nurseries, ornamental and vegetable production, sustainable production and greenhouse operations, urban horticulture and hydroponics, commercial and private landscape and tree care, floral design, retail, and event planning, public gardens, non-profit organizations are just a few of the places with which students can intern.
Many students choose to intern in the summer months, but there are opportunities year-round. Enrollment in HORT 484 allows students to receive academic credit for the high impact learning experience, required for the horticulture degree plans. Students may enroll in HORT 484 up to three times, for up to 9 hours of credits, enabling them to have more than one internship (either with the same company or to explore different opportunities). To participate, students must make an appointment with the program coordinator, Tammy Neel.
Please download and review the Internship Packet (PDF) to get started.
Horticultural Sciences Special Projects
The Department of Horticultural Sciences offers undergraduates to explore Special problems or projects in any area of horticulture under the direction of faculty members in Horticulture. Special projects encompass a variety of activities that are dependent on the interests of the student and faculty member. Students may obtain high impact credit required for the degree programs by enrolling in HORT 485 (for up to 4 hours of credits). To participate, students must make an appointment with the program coordinator, Tammy Neel.
Horticultural Sciences Undergraduate Research
The Department of Horticultural Sciences offers undergraduates the opportunity to conduct research under the direction of faculty members in Horticulture. Students may participate in the ongoing research of the faculty member or explore research directions of their own interest, with the approval of the instructor. Students may obtain high impact credit required for the degree programs by enrolling in HORT 491 (may be repeated twice, for up to 6 hours of credits). Students may work multiple semesters in the same lab or explore opportunities with different faculty members. Participation in undergraduate research is great preparation for graduate or professional school. To participate, students must make an appointment with the program coordinator, Tammy Neel.
Horticultural Career Fair
Students, this event is planned with YOU in mind. Whether you’re a freshman or graduating senior, this is your chance to get information about future jobs and internships. Horticulture industry leaders are looking for students interested in production, sales and marketing, management, and much more. The Career Fair is the perfect place to practice speaking with industry representatives and potential employers. You may also want to ask about future trends and what they are looking for in an employee. We hope you will take advantage of this important opportunity! Please mark your calendars for the Horticulture Career Fair that takes place the last Wednesday in February and watch for announcements of a pre-career fair event on resume building and “How to Career Fair” by student success professionals. Also plan to attend the Horticulture Career Fair Networking Event the Tuesday evening before the career fair. This event provides students with the opportunity to interact and network with industry in a casual environment.
- Horticulture Career Fair: Last Wednesday in February each year
- Horticulture Career Fair Networking Event: Tuesday evening before career fair.
Education Abroad
Education abroad opportunities are available for all students and can last from a week to a year. With good planning, education abroad can help you gain valuable international experience while completing your degree on time. Funding resources are typically available. Please contact Tammy Neel in the Department of Horticultural Sciences and visit the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences International Programs and the Education Abroad Programs Office for more information and opportunities.
Study abroad programs give students a first-hand view of another country and culture. With today’s global economy, an international perspective is more important than ever before for those entering the workforce. Students can earn core curriculum credit, elective credit, internship/research credit, or transfer credit from a foreign university depending on the details of the program.